Microsoft President Belluzo Steps Down

By Agence France-Presse Microsoft Corp. President and COO Rick Belluzo will leave his position May 1, the company announced April 3. "I decided it was the right time to pursue my goal of leading my own company," Belluzo, 48, said in a statement. Belluzo's resignation comes on the heels of a reorganization of the Redmond, Calif., company's sprawling businesses into seven key divisions, including the company's business solutions, home and entertainment and MSN services, the last a competitor of America Online. According to the company, these newly consolidated seven divisions will be given great individual autonomy and accountability. Belluzo joined Microsoft in 1999 after stints at Hewlett-Packard Co. and Silicon Graphics Inc. His rise from group vice president to the president's rank was rapid, the company said. Belluzo was known in technology circles as the "un-Microsoft" executive for his quiet demeanor. "He had a calming effect on difficult situations," said one Microsoft executive. Belluzo said he will consult with the company through September to "ensure a smooth transition." Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2002